PianoFactoryMall

              2/14/2000

Developer: goodbye mall, hello housing

Drawings submitted to the Kane County Chroni
St. Charles
to review
plans for
townhomes
in place of
Piano Factory

By KATHY GUYER
Kane County Chronicle
ST. CHARLES � The
early 1900s Piano Facto-
ry will tumble, but the
plan to rebuild on its 8.5-
acre site along the Fox
River will add what
developers believe is a
needed component to
downtown.
Plane to raze the for-
mer factory turned outlet
mall and build 64 town-
homes -- to the tune of $40 million �
were submitted late Friday to the city.
Developers Sean Williams and Terry
Dunning of Walnut Street Partners
bought the property for $4.75 million
at an auction last year.
Williams said they searched for a
way to save and renovate the building,
but its deteriorated condition left them
no choice but to tear it down.
"We spent six months evaluating dif-
ferent ways to use the current struc-
ture," Williams said. "Unfortunately,
after an exhaustive review, it was
logistically and economically infeasi-
ble.
"The building is in complete disre-
pair," he added. "Both our general con-
tractor and structural engineer have
highly advised against trying to save
it.,,
Williams said he has spoken with
city officials and downtown business
representatives who have given favor-
able reviews of his plan.
"I've had very energetic support from
both the city and private business
leaders," Williams said. "it's my belief
that the retail and restaurant environ-
ment in downtown St. Charles is thriv-
ing. What's missing is more downtown
residential."
Consultants reviewing the down-
town consistently have said the one
thing lacking in St. Charles' central
business district is housing.
Downtown St. Charles Partnership
Director Marty Lucas said the upscale
Please see HOUSING page 9
Developers proposing to
tear down the Piano
Factory building in
downtown St. Charles and
create housing in its place
have submitted plans to
the city. Above, the
architect's drawing of
brownstone-style
townhomes shows a
four-unit building. The
design integrates
architectural
already found	ghout
downtown. Left, concept
plans show the buildings
will have two to five units
each for a total of 64 homes.